Defiant Elimination?

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have 12 week old male Bassett who is perfect in almost every way, but...  

Let me set the stage:

We crate him when we're at work.

When we're home; using baby gates we've corralled him within the kitchen and dining area (there we have hardwood floors).  

Whenever anyone leaves him alone for even a few minutes (after having been taken out) he pees on the floor.

Today is a perfect scenario.  I took a shower, but before I did I took him out.  When I returned from my shower he'd peed in the floor 3 different times.  I again took him out and watched him eliminate.  I praised him and gave him a treat.  I needed to do some online banking so I left him alone for another 20 minutes and in that time he peed 3 more times.

*Now, I'm at my wits end.*  I brought him back into the computer room and within one minute of stepping foot onto the carpeting he started to pee.  I caught him in the middle of it and scolded him and put him outside.  

As I type this he is in his kennel barking incessantly (another problem, but that's for another day I'm afraid).

Any suggestions?  He has an appointment in January to be neutered.  Will this procedure help with this "alpha-male" behavior?

Thanks for any and all input.
Chris

ANSWER: Well not quite enough info but let me try some ideas. You didn't mention if the dog has any other behavior problems, ie other Alpha  or dominance behaviors. So we are generally left with territory  marking, from Alpha mindedness or jealousy (wants attention vs other occupants, children, husband, other critters). Yes neutering does help, and the earlier the better. The other behavioral issue would be stress, stems from boredom, and other environmental issues. The barking while alone in the crate is often a stress sign, (separation anxiety).  You didn't mention the dogs history ie adopted, store bought, breeder bought, previous owner. Many of the stress issues begin in puppyhood, being abondoned, caged, and other abuses.

OK, what to do.  Start with a few basics:  nothing for free. no toy, treat, food, water until the dog obeys a command. Any command will do.  Dogs are like 2 yr olds. Mommy, Mommy, Mommy MOMMY!!!! ultil we give in, that only teaches them they win by being obnoxious. Thje answer is NO means NO. Reward good behavior as you have been. The opposite of reward is no reward, not punishment. Keep the dog off the carpet. For mental exercise get a challenging toy, such as the ones you can put a treat inside and they have to work to get the treat out. Make sure the dog has some toy for mental and physical exercise. My two Bassets are moderate active. They require a good daily exercise 2-3 times a day, but usually not more than 10-15 minutes each time. They are highly conpanionable, they want to be around people.  We always get two of any breed because dogs with a species companion make their own happy world with each other, placing a lot less demand on the owner for attention. In our house the exception is the Greyhound who pals with a big cat and the Doberman. Having a buddy keeps their mind on play and each other vs getting your attention by peeing on the floor.

There are many other stress triggers, it takes on-site observation to find most of them.

Regards,

Henry Ruhwiedel



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Henry,

Thanks for the prompt reply.  Here's a little bit of background info.

We bought Rudy from a breeder at 9 weeks of age.  In that time he had been allowed to roam in and out of a garage and go to the bathroom as he saw fit.

While I couldn't know for sure I didn't see any signs of abuse with the breeder and the home that he had for Rudy and his siblings as well as his parents.

He always has toys and chew toys at his disposal either while we're around or not.  This is also the case during the day while he is crated.  However we do not give him any kind of rawhide type treat unless we are present.  

Also, he does have a pal.  She's a 7 year old Miniature Schnauzer, and they get along splendidly though at times Rudy seems to think of her as more of a chew toy than anything else, but 98% of the time they are perfect together.

Also, the barking while in the kennel is the only other behavioral problem that we have.

When he is doing something that we disprove of we simply say (in a stern voice) "stop" and he always does.  He may go back to doing what he was doing before 30 seconds later, but the word "stop" does get a positive response.

Also, when we're paying close attention to him and we see the sing-song "I gotta pee or poop" signs (i.e. sniffing in circles) we say, "Rudy! Wanna go outside?" and he trots to the back door and waits for us to let him out.  He does his business.  We treat him and all is well.

He is learning and I don't think "housebreaking" is the problem.  I think stress/boredom and the alpha-male thing is the problem.

Okay, I think that might be enough info to go on.

Thanks again!
Chris


Answer
Well that leaves stress or dominance issues. I woujld certainly contiue with the potty training as you are. I seldom recommend it, but the electronic collar may be an answer. It does not hurt, its a buzzy tickle, try it on your hand. Since you are not directly acting on the dog, it thinks its the hand of mom or daddy dog or the spiritual hand.  Simply push the button at the first sign of squatting in the no zone. You can set the dog up by allowing it near the carpet and then from a distance buzz as soon as you see the squat beginning. I've used it on a couple dogs along with lemon juice aquirted in the mouth for chewing and let me bite you with very stubborn dogs. I have also seen ultrasonic whistles suggested but the whistle or clicker does not have as good a response in my experience.  Glad to hear the dog has a companion. It helps to potty them together. "monkey see, monkey do" learning, same as field training a hunting dog and in other social setting training.

Henry Ruhwiedel
Westwomd Kennels, LLC